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The operating room (OR) is often the largest generator of waste within a hospital setting, and has been estimated to produce between 20-33% of the total waste generated in the hospital despite its diminutive spatial footprint. Of the waste generated by the OR, the largest percentage is often regulated medical waste (RMW), which can costs between 5 and 10 times more than solid waste to dispose of. Much of this cost can be avoided with proper waste segregation.
There are several finite steps an organization can follow to set up and implement a regulatory compliant RMW segregation program.
Type: Resources
This implementation module from the Greening the Operating Room Initiative defines best practices in the OR to reduce environmental impact, cost, increase efficiency, and improve worker and patient safety.
Type: Resources
When considering how to reduce the environmental footprint of the operating room, it makes sense to first revisit the old adage of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. This common sense approach relies on the concept of avoiding use of materials or supplies that are not needed to protect or ensure patient or worker safety (reduce), using a reusable, preprocessed or reposable option where a product must be used, and where no reusable option is available ensure the product is recyclable. The most environmentally unfriendly option is a single-use, disposable product that cannot be recycled at the end of use.… Read More
Type: Resources
Recent hospital data demonstrates that recycling in the OR can generate large volumes of recyclables—in excess of 1000lbs of medical plastics weekly at one large NYC institution with more than 40 ORs/surgical procedure areas. At an average cost of $121 per ton for solid waste disposal and a price tag of $68 per ton for recycling the same material a hospital might pay nearly twice the price for medical plastics disposal if the facility does not choose to recycle.
There are several finite steps an organization can follow to set up and implement a medical plastics recycling program in the OR…
Type: Resources
A large portion of surgical waste is liquid waste — blood and body fluids diverted during surgery. This waste stream is typically collected in disposable plastic suction canisters. Hospitals are finding that another option—fluid management systems that empty liquids directly to the sanitary sewer—are safer for staff, better for the environment and offer long-term cost-savings.
Type: Resources
(Employee engagement toolkit) Maximizing the value of healthier environments supports staff recruitment, retention, satisfaction, safety, and health. Healthier environments are key to creating a culture and workplace that nurtures employees, providing a place they want to stay and grow.
The number one concern of human resources professionals is keeping the workforce engaged. Environmental stewardship is one strategy.
Type: Resources
Although many people have come to assume that applying pesticides is the only way to control pests and ensure a clean, healthy health care facility, this report shows that pests can be successfully managed without toxic pesticides and without having an adverse effect on the quality of patient care. Health care facilities have another opportunity to “first, do no harm” by changing the way they view pest control and by following this guide to safer and effective integrated pest management.
Type: Resources
(Employee engagement toolkit) Hackensack University Medical Center's Sustainability Certification program includes a one-hour lecture and thirty minutes for discussion. The educational content is in alignment with the Practice Greenhealth's six-category framework: Engaged leadership, leaner energy, healthier food, less Waste, safer chemicals, and smarter purchasing. The lecture connects these areas to the environmental footprint of HackensackUMC and details what is being done to meet the challenges. The goal of the certification program is to engage staff and expand conversations beyond ‘just… Read More
Type: Resources
(Greenhealth Cost of Ownership toolkit) Specific examples of the types of products to consider to assess a product's total cost of ownership along with associated costs that would be a factor in an assessment.
Type: Resources
(Employee engagement toolkit) University Hospitals Health System has structured its sustainability program on four pillars of wellness: building well, operating well, buying well, and living well. The system has taken multiple approaches to engage employees in its sustainability efforts, including general communication strategies, a system-wide sustainability council and facility-based committees, a Green Health Hero awards program, and the latest project—a sustainability certification program for managers.
Type: Resources
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